Early Simpson Crossing

Triggy, it will most likely be very hot still, possibly dangerously so.
Have an alternative plan.
Ensure cooling system is totally good, maybe get a pressure test, check all hoses well, take spare radiator and maybe some generic heater / smaller dia hose.

There will probably be heaps of flies !!
Take fly veils.

The tracks might be hard to follow with wind blown coverage, there might also be deep holes filled with very deep soft sand on tops of dunes for the same reason.
This might be more prevalent on some lines, but all have their dunes with holes on top.

If you don't have your own sat phone, hire one at either end (Mt Dare or Birdsville info centre) and drop off the other side, sensible insurance for your safety.

You could possibly not see another soul, enjoy the solitude.

Hi Triggy

First of all, you can not compare Googs Track or Big Red with a Simpson crossing.

At that time if the year, there will be sections of track that will be blown over and many of the dune crossings will have very sharp lips at the top, with a metre or more as a sheers drop from the summer winds, so extreme care must be taken as you cross every dune.

Temperatures will be still in the mid 40's so water will be a very important safety factor to consider. With the stand extremely soft, you would want to run about 12 psi cold and a long handled shovel and set of MaxTrax part of your recovery kit, as they both will get a very good work out.

The earliest that we have ever done it was early May and tracks were still blown over and big lips at the top of the dunes and day temperatures were around 42 and nights very mid of around the low 20's. We met 2 guys with trailers that tried doing the Rig Road thinking it would be easier. On one of their sand bogs, it took 2 days to both of their vehicles and trailers over one of the larger dunes before the K1 Line, and we're making a detour out via the Warburton Crossing just to get out of the desert and back onto firm ground.

I hope you are including a PLB & Sat Phone as part of your recovery and safety items. If you do not have a PLB and are not doing to buy one, which sell for around the $300 mark, you would be crazy to set foot into the desert, if not for your life, but your loved ones.

Yes and can be done, but your personal safety should be priority no 1 and you must be prepared for anything, include log delays working in the hot sun to free your vehicle from being bogged.


Think very carefully and all the very best.



Cheers




Stephen

I did the same trip in late March two years ago. Hot weather before we got there but not so hot for the Mt Dare to Birdsville crossing. We towed a camper trailer and, since there had been rain in January and not much prior traffic, the track was in excellent condition.
There were some drop offs at the top of the dunes, which often break to the right or left unexpectedly. We ran 13/60 cold, 13 in the trailer, took it slowly in firsdt and second high range and had no problems at all, despite carrying half a ton of recover gear. We met about 6 vehicles coming the other way.
Take a can of fly spray so that you can kill the 500 or so flies that will follow you when you step back into your vehicle. Plus spare fuel and water. We used 126 litres for the crossing in a 200 series diesel, but a detour due to rain could have added a lot to that.
Have a wonderful trip. With a bit of luck, the wild flowers will be out.
Keith

I'll be going across the Simpson in last week of May, if you wanted to accompany me?

Will be doing, at this stage, the French Line, as it's the shortest, and I haven't been along the full length of it. Need to be at Mt Dare by 30th May. Have a think about it, though might be a bit late for you?

Bob

Best accessory we had, was a snorkel, had been watching the weather coming across for months, thought it won't keep raining around there.. but drove into Mt Dare through nearly bonnet deep water for 500 meters, 80 series got stuck in creek on bloods track, bonnet deep.. lots of mud between the dunes especially on the salt pans! Copped it with "your tires are to aggressive for sand" I was the only one who didn't get bogged.. had to snatch and winch other 2 out.. seemed we played "cat n mouse" with the rain for 6 weeks.. this was late August and September last year.. great trip, put it to the next level. Cheers Odog

If you have an automatic transmission then a spare starter motor is a good idea. We were out with a guy who had a new (6 week old) Explorer with auto. The very experienced trip leader told him to get a spare starter. First morning out in the Rub Al Khali desert "no start!". Leader said to change starter while we all ate breakfast, no big deal. He hadn't followed the instructions - no spare starter. Had to tow him back 100 miles to a paved road and left him to get tow. Set the whole group back by two days.

Hi triggy,
Personally I wouldn't go anywhere near that area in March , just heat and flies .
i don't know people travel places when the weather is bordering on the worst time , not a great idea .

Cheers

Triggy

Have to agree with the other members .

Just to hot that time of the year .

I have completed 2 crossing both at the end of April and that was hot enough for me ( Low 30 degree's ).

That is unless you enjoy 40 degree days and have a well set up vehicle , if so go for it . Its a fantastic trip .

Cheers

Triggy there is lots of info here and advice from the wise ones. I agree the heat will make the crossing unpleasant and dangerous. Even in winter the flies are everywhere. At least then you dont burn on the hot sand if you have to dig your ute out in winter. And a nice fire in winter out there is great. We did a solo crossing of the French line in a Ranger too in 2013 and lots of advice was found here . For some more ideas on the newranger forum search "Simpson desert April 2014 " on Ranger specific info.
It is a great trip but go when its pleasant.

PS I posted my French line crossing as "Simpson July 2013 " too for more advice to fellow drivers.

There a couple of videos here that you may find useful. Both are led by Vic Widman.VIDEOS

The " 50 years on" one covers the first crossing of that year.

Is my recollection correct that the doglegs on the ridge tops normally veer to the north?

20th May ??? Forget it unless your a masochist !

Cheers

dad

Hi Triggy

I live to a motto "those don't think it can be done shouldn't bother the person doing it..."

Having said that I always have a robust plan in mind and have done plenty of research before any trip, whether into the outback, or into the mountains climbing...

Reading a couple of your responses it would appear you haven't given great consideration to the trip, especially with regard to something basic like weather conditions.

Whilst the Simpson isn't necessarily difficult, it has plenty of risks associated with it - how you manage those risks is key to a successful trip. And that comes with planning.

As constructive criticism, it doesn't appear you have given a lot of thought to it. Especially given it is your first foray, single-handed, in a new vehicle at a time Australia is experiencing extreme weather conditions, March isn't that far away...

By all means, go for it, but only after you have given it some real thought and planning.

My two-bobs worth...

Enjoy,

Baz - The Landy

Caught up with my mate today that is coming with me on this trip and we have locked in 9th of May to start our crossing. Elders Weather reckons average daytime temp is 26-28 degrees and only 5 days in the month over 30. Will keep an eye on rainfall in the areas just prior to leaving Adelaide to make sure the roads are fine.
By some of your comments, we should still expect a heap of flies until the sun goes down?

Thanks to all for your comments and advice. Glad I asked the question before heading off late March.

Happy and safe travels to you all in 2017.